12-year-old Illinois girl sells steer for $100K

Published: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014 11:11 a.m. CST

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(AP Photo/The State Journal-Register, Justin L. Fowler)

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn congratulates Shaelye Varner, center, on her Grand Champion Steer during the Governor's Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in Springfield, Ill. A record $100,000-plus was bid for Varner's steer, which is named Ted because she thinks he is like a teddy bear.

Fair officials say $100,000 would have bought almost every animal in the sale of champions just four years ago. This year, the auction netted more than $260,000 for the kids who raised the animals, as well as the 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs, which each receive 10 percent of the proceeds.

Shaelye says she's been showing since she was 5 years old. She plans to save her money and use it for a future career in livestock.